Author: Robert James
For many couples, the dog isn’t just a pet. They’re family, and a wedding day without them can feel like someone important is missing. The good news is that at Yarra Valley Estate, your four-legged friend is welcome to be part of your ceremony.
Here’s everything you need to know about including your dog in your Yarra Valley wedding, from the roles they can play to the practical details that keep the day relaxed for everyone, including your dog.
Yes, dogs are welcome at our ceremonies
We love dog-friendly weddings. Your dog is welcome to join you for the ceremony, whether that’s in our open-air chapel, beside the wetlands or on the lawns with native bushland as a backdrop.
There’s one important thing to plan around: dogs are welcome at the ceremony only, and they can’t stay on site. With a little planning, that’s easy to work with, and we’ve included some local options further down.
Ways your dog can be part of the ceremony
There’s no single right way to include your dog. Some of our favourite ideas:
- Ring bearer: attach the rings to a ribbon or a small pouch on their collar (and have a trusted person walk alongside them).
- Flower dog: a floral collar or a little sign reading “Here comes the bride” makes for a sweet walk down the aisle.
- Guest of honour: give them a spot near the front with a familiar person, so they can watch you say “I do”.
- Family photos: our 120 acres of bushland, the wetlands and the chapel make a beautiful backdrop for portraits with your dog straight after the ceremony.
Nominate a dog handler
On the day, you’ll be busy, so choose one person whose only job is your dog. Ideally it’s someone your dog knows well and who isn’t in the bridal party. Your handler takes care of arrivals, the walk down the aisle, quiet breaks, water, toilet stops and, most importantly, the hand-over at the end of the ceremony.
Give your handler a small kit: lead, water bowl, a bottle of water, treats, poo bags, a towel and your dog’s favourite toy.
Plan the timing
Because your dog joins for the ceremony only, it helps to map out their part of the day:
- Arrival: bring in your dog close to the ceremony start, rather than hours beforehand.
- Ceremony: a short walk down the aisle and a calm spot to settle while you exchange vows.
- Photos: schedule your dog photos first, straight after the ceremony, while they’re still fresh.
- Departure: arrange for your handler or a pet service to collect them before the reception begins.
Keeping your dog calm and comfortable
Weddings are busy, noisy and exciting, which can be a lot for a dog. A few simple steps make a big difference:
- Take them for a long walk on the morning of the wedding, so they arrive relaxed.
- Keep their routine as normal as possible, including meals.
- Choose a comfortable collar or harness; save the elaborate outfits for a quick photo.
- Let guests know your dog is coming, and ask them not to feed treats.
- On warmer days, keep them in the shade and make sure fresh water is always on hand.
A note on confetti
As a sustainable venue, we only allow fresh or dried petals or leaves as confetti during the ceremony. It’s lovely for photos, and it also means there’s no paper or plastic on the ground for curious noses.
Where your dog can stay nearby
Once the ceremony is over and the photos are done, your dog will need somewhere comfortable to spend the rest of the celebration. There are two boarding kennels close by on the Melba Highway:
- All 4 Paws and Claws Pet Resort, which also offers a pet pick-up and delivery service.
- A Dog’s Domain and Cats Too.
Booking ahead is a good idea, especially for weddings in peak season. A pick-up service means your handler can get back to the celebrations too.
Make it a day to remember, together
Including your dog in your ceremony is one of those small touches guests remember long after the day, and the photos are always a favourite. If you’d like to talk through a dog-friendly wedding at Yarra Valley Estate, our team is happy to help you plan it.
Yarra Valley Estate is featured as a verified venue in Ever After Weddings’ guide to the best wedding venues in Victoria.
